At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support individuals at risk of homelessness and deliver essential services.
- Company: Join Westmorland and Furness Council, dedicated to thriving communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, enhanced leave, and various perks.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing services and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 46579 - 47665 £ per year.
Location: Voreda House- Penrith
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
Following a restructure of our Housing Team we have created some new and exciting opportunities. If you are a go getter and enjoy working with and supporting customers, this could be the place for you.
We have an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to apply for the role of Homelessness Service Team Leader, within Thriving Communities. We are looking for someone with a flexible attitude to the work and who is solution focused in their approach.
The role will be varied and rewarding, our customers are always put at the heart of our service provision ensuring we deliver excellent advice and assistance. The role requires the successful applicant to work with colleagues in our Homelessness Service and with key partners to oversee the day to day delivery of operations to provide support to individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Our team leaders have line management responsibility and support the alignment and development of the homelessness service. This is a great opportunity to make a difference, and you will be joining a flexible and responsive Housing Team where we work collectively to get the job done.
Who we are looking for…
The successful candidate will be a natural leader with experience in working within housing services. If you are super organised with excellent communication skills and can coordinate day to day service delivery, while providing advice and guidance to team members, we’d love to hear from you.
The successful candidate must have experience of providing homelessness advice and support, technical expertise in respect of homelessness legislation and robust case management experience. Experience of working in partnership with statutory and non-statutory agencies in a customer-focused environment in the housing sector is essential.
Applicants are strongly advised to use the criteria in the post specification as sub-headings in their application to make it clear how they meet each of the selection criteria.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments: Post Specification Role Profile
Please note: If the Post Specification for this vacancy states that a UK driving licence is required, non-UK driving licences with entitlement to drive vehicles in the UK will also be accepted.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 04/10/2026
Interview date: TBC
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.
For guidance on the recruitment process, FAQs, and useful tips for completing your application, please visit: Our Approach to Recruitment | Careers
Safer Recruitment & DBS
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an enhanced DBS check.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview. We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old that meet the essential criteria for the role.
Homelessness Service Team Leader - Eden - WMF3145e in Penrith employer: The Cumbria County Council
Westmorland and Furness Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises compassion and community. Employees benefit from flexible part-time hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for personal and professional growth within the residential care sector, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of residents in the picturesque setting of Kirkby Stephen.
Contact Details:
The Cumbria County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Homelessness Service Team Leader - Eden - WMF3145e in Penrith
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at The Cumbria County Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The Cumbria County Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like The Cumbria County Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at The Cumbria County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Homelessness Service Team Leader - Eden - WMF3145e in Penrith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to The Cumbria County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Cumbria County Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cumbria County Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
